McCreary County CES

Title:

Livestock/Forage Production

MAP:

Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agents Involved:

Goodman

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

Situation:

According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, McCreary County ranks 101st in the state for total agriculture receipts, which were $2,550,000. Top crops reported (in acres) include 3,341 for forages, 14 for apples, and 21 for vegetables. The county agriculture profile is primarily beef and forage-based. We have 173 farms, totaling 18,321 acres with an average size of 106 acres per farm. Ninety five percent of our forest land is owned by the Federal Government either by the US Forest Service or National Park Service. The PVA's office recently reported that 79% of property is currently off the tax role. Local sawmills report that over 80% of their raw material are coming from outside the county. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Existing farm operations will incorporate ag diversification and sustainable ag practices to increase quality of products and profits; young/beginning farmers establish agriculturally diverse and sustainable operations. Forest landowners implement long-term plans for woodland management and adapt practices to be specific to their property. Loggers continue education of forest management and logging practices through the Master Loggers program. Youth expand knowledge of natural resource management and environmental stewardship as it relates to living in McCreary County.   

Intermediate Outcomes:

Farmers will become better stewards of their beef/forage enterprises thus increasing income or reducing expenses. Farmers will adopt proven methods of hay storage, forage management, and beef herd management. Qualified producers will improve/expand/establish their operations through last year's County Agricultural Investment Program education and cost-share money; $39,000 was distributed through 2020 Phase 1 Tobacco Settlement funds for a variety of farm improvement projects that are being completed in 2021. Area loggers will continue education through the Master Logger's program to improve local logging practices. Woodland owners will begin implementing management practices to improve forest health and wildlife management, and learn to develop long-term plans for woodland management. Youth will attend environmental day camp/workshops and apply that knowledge to community/school projects. 

Initial Outcomes:

Beef Producers will gain knowledge in the following areas: herd health, electronic record keeping, breeding, fertility management, forage management, hay storage management, agricultural diversification, sustainable ag practices, marketing, and safety. Young/beginning farmers will gain knowledge in agricultural diversification and sustainable agriculture practices through educational workshops and meetings. Loggers will obtain and renew Master Loggers certifications to improve logging practices. Woodland owners will learn management techniques for forest health and wildlife management. Youth will learn and understand their role in natural resource management and environmental stewardship by attendance at environmental day camp and workshops. 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: McCreary Cattlemen’s Association & Extension has regular educational meetings  for beef producers in which UK Specialists or local agents discuss and demonstrate new production methods and outcomes
Indicator: Programs conducted, number in attendance & evaluations 

Method: Surveys, farm visits, testing services (forage, soil, etc.), client contacts
Timeline: September - May 

 
Initial Outcome: Master Loggers continuing education programs held each year at a local lumberyard
Indicator: Programs conducted, number in attendance & evaluations
Method: renewal paperwork, surveys, observations, contacts/visits to lumberyard
Timeline: September-December

 

Initial Outcome: Youth attend environmental day camp/workshop to learn the importance of natural resource management and environmental stewardship in McCreary County  

Indicator: Attendance, participation in group activities, application of knowledge/skills in school or community projects
Method: Surveys, observations, discussions, school visits
Timeline: March-September 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef Cattle Farmers  

Activity: Master Cattlemen's Program

Content or Curriculum:  10 classes covering management skills, forages, nutrition, facilities & animal behavior, environmental stewardship and industry issues, genetics, reproduction, herd health, end product, and marketability & profit  

Date: November-October  

Audience: Beef Cattle Farmers 

Activity: Beef Cattle related programs at McCreary Cattlemen’s monthly meetings 

Content or Curriculum: Beef and Forage related topics selected by beef cattle farmers 

Date: September - May 

 

Audience: Loggers 

Activity: Master Loggers continuing education program 

Content or Curriculum: Current logging practices, forest health & management, safety, industry economics 

Date: Sept-December 

 

Audience: Woodland Owners 

Activity: Woodland owners short-course

Content or Curriculum: Forest health, management, wildlife, plant ID

Date: February-March

Audience: Youth (4H Age Range)

Activity: Environmental Day Camp/Workshops 

Content or Curriculum: Natural resource management, environmental stewardship, wildlife, ecosystems, water quality, habitats, tree/plant ID

Date: March-September 

Success Stories